Protests in Belgrade: Over 24,000 people against lithium mining

Protests in Belgrade: Over 24,000 people against lithium mining

In the past few days, a disturbing development has emerged in Serbia: Tens of thousands of citizens have gathered in the capital Belgrade to protest the planned lithium mine in the Jadar Valley. These demonstrations are not only an expression of worries about environmental and health risks, but also reflect a broader movement that defends itself against the influence of multinational companies.

background of the protests

The conflict ignited when the Serbian government approved the plan to promote lithium in July this year, which is considered an essential raw material for the production of electric vehicles. The lithium mining in the Western Serbian Jadar-Valley is particularly controversial because it harbors the largest lithium reserve in Europe. However, the population is alerted because many of them fear that the mining will cause serious damage to the environment, in particular by the possible contamination of the groundwater with harmful heavy metals.

demonstrations and traffic blocks

called up by several environmental protection organizations, the demonstrators gathered under the motto "There will be no mines". The protest resulted in a blockade of the rails at two train stations in Belgrade, which significantly impaired train traffic. The police initially held back, while Interior Minister Ivica Dacic described the blockades as a serious disorder of public order and announced legal steps.

The voices of the protesting

The demonstrators agreed on their message. During one of the protests, actress Jelena Stupljanin expressed: "Is it patriotism to help a multinational company, or is real patriotism The struggle for clean air, clean country and water?" These words illustrate the inner conflict that prevails in Serbian society: the consideration between economic progress and the protection of the environment.

international dimension and support

The debate about the lithium mine not only draws local citizens on the streets, but also reached an international audience. In the presence of Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz, the Serbian government signed a declaration of intent with the EU, which aims to promote environmentally friendly promotion of lithium. The aim is to reduce the dependence on China, which controls a large part of the global lithium market. These geopolitical considerations bring additional complexity into the already tense situation.

outlook for the coming days

The resistance shows no signs of awards, and it can be expected that the protests could expand in other parts of Serbia in the coming days. Citizens not only call for the cessation of the lithium project, but also a stronger consideration of their environmental and health concerns. These topics are expected to remain a central component of public discussions in Serbia.

The situation in Serbia illustrates how important it is to protect the balance between economic growth and environmental protection. The arguments about lithium mining could serve as a catalyst for a broader discourse on sustainable development in the region.